But a number of flights are to repatriate people, while many planes carry essential cargo.

Have the number of flights been cut?

Passenger flights are believed to have been cut by up to 95%, but that still means one in 20 are taking off.

Airlines say they are keeping vital links open.

“We are working with European Union (EU) governments to try to keep some minimum flight links open for emergency reasons, even though the passenger loads on these flights will be very low,” said Ryanair.

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The coronavirus outbreak has had a severe impact on demand for air travel

But other flights are to bring stranded people home, said British Airways.

“We are doing everything we can to bring customers home, including critical workers,” BA told the BBC.

“Not all governments are allowing flights. We are working with the Foreign Office to open routes where we can.”

The carrier is operating a number of repatriation flights chartered by the Foreign Office from Lima, Peru, for instance.

Are airports and planes safe for travellers?

Heathrow Airport said it is working closely with Public Health England officials “to facilitate their access to the airport so that they can implement their enhanced monitoring measures as a precaution.

“In line with the latest Public Health England advice, we are encouraging passengers and colleagues to maintain good hand hygiene.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair said all its aircraft “are disinfected daily”.

“With low loads, social distancing will be optimised on-board,” the airline said.

How many flights are there?

That’s difficult to find out, but you can check at any airport’s website to see how many planes are flying in and out at any given time.